What is the role of quality in contemporary capitalism? How is a product as ordinary as a bag of tea judged for its quality? In her innovative study, Sarah Besky addresses these questions by going inside an Indian auction house where experts taste and appraise mass-market black tea, one of the world’s most recognized commodities. Pairing rich historical data with ethnographic research among agronomists, professional tea tasters and traders, and tea plantation workers, Besky shows how the meaning of quality has been subjected to nearly constant experimentation and debate throughout the history of the tea industry. Working across fields of political economy, science and technology studies, and sensory ethnography, Tasting Qualities argues for an approach to quality that sees it not as a final destination for economic, imperial, or post-imperial projects but as an opening for those projects.

What is the role of quality in contemporary capitalism? How is a product as ordinary as a bag of tea judged for its quality? In her innovative study, Sarah Besky addresses these questions by going inside an Indian auction house where experts taste and appraise mass-market black tea, one of the world’s most recognized commodities. Pairing rich historical data with ethnographic research among agronomists, professional tea tasters and traders, and tea plantation workers, Besky shows how the meaning of quality has been subjected to nearly constant experimentation and debate throughout the history of the tea industry. Working across fields of political economy, science and technology studies, and sensory ethnography, Tasting Qualities argues for an approach to quality that sees it not as a final destination for economic, imperial, or post-imperial projects but as an opening for those projects.

WINNER OF A GOURMAND WORLD COOKBOOK AWARD 2009! BEST WINE EDUCATION BOOK (THE BEST IN THE WORLD) "I really enjoyed this book ... A constant feature of this book is how well Keith balances his mastery of the technicalities with a certain 'common touch', the ability to explain sometimes complex issues in easy-to-understand terms." –Association of Wine Educators "... an ideal book to accompany a WSET course." –Harpers Wine and Spirit Throughout the eight thousand years of vinous history wines have been tasted and their qualities examined in at least a basic way. Today producers can control the growing and winemaking processes, and the consumer may choose from a vast array of wines, both fine and ordinary. Tasting and evaluating these requires knowledge, skill and diligence. Part of the Wiley-Blackwell Food Industry Briefing Series, this book provides a concise, easy to use and clearly presented understanding of the techniques of wine tasting, quality assessment and evaluation. The reader is taken through the various stages of a structured and professional approach to tasting and the book examines the questions as to what constitutes quality in wines, how quality can be recognised and how it is achieved. Also discussed are the faults that can destroy wines at any quality level, and misconceptions as to quality and guarantees. Clearly presented and easily readable the book includes: Diagrams Tables Tasting vocabularies Colour Plates Written by Keith Grainger, highly regarded international wine educator and wine consultant, this book provides a concise, quick reference for busy wine industry professionals, students or others who wish to gain a detailed knowledge of the concepts of wine tasting and quality assessment. The Wiley-Blackwell Food Industry Briefing Series Devised to increase the effectiveness and efficiency with which knowledge can be gained of the many subject areas that constitute the food industry, and on which the industry relies for its existence, this important series is intended expressly to benefit executives, managers and supervisors within the industry. Each book distils the subject matter of the topic, providing its essence for easy and speedy assimilation.

“There seems to be no one more qualified or equipped to ponder or even, dare I say, dictate ‘quality, taste, and style’ than Tim.” —Sarah Jessica Parker, actor/producer As Bravo’s style mentor on Project Runway and Chair of the Fashion Design Department at Parsons The New School for Design, Tim Gunn became a household name. He delivered advice in a frank, witty, and authoritative manner that delighted audiences. Now readers can benefit from Tim’s considerable fashion wisdom in Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style. He discusses every aspect of creating and maintaining your personal style: how to dress for various occasions, how to shop (from designer to chain to vintage stores), how to pick a fashion mentor, how to improve your posture, find the perfect fit, and more. He’ll challenge every reader—whether a seasoned fashionista or a style neophyte-to “make it work!” “Tim Gunn’s book is as fun and informative as his knowledge of fashion!!!” —Diane von Furstenberg, designer “Tim’s book is perfect for helping you find your own personal style and accentuate it. His witty and encouraging voice is evident throughout, focusing on everything from organizing your closet and maintaining your wardrobe to caring for your skin and perfecting your posture. Whether you’re a fashion expert or a style novice, Tim’s book is full of practical yet chic tidbits everyone can enjoy.” —Nina Garcia, editor-in-chief of Elle magazine “Whether revealing the secrets of ‘The Under Arsenal’ or ruminating on the ‘tone’ and ‘diction’ of a handbag, Gunn’s text is clever, a touch waggish, and highly practical for both ensemble mavens and fashion criminals.” —Publishers Weekly

Tasting and Smelling presents a comprehensive overview to research on these two important modes of perception. The book offers a review of research findings on the biophysics, neurophysiology, and psychophysicsof both senses, as well as discussing the emotional component associated with taste and smell, and clinical disorders affecting each of these two senses. Tasting and Smelling answers how odors and flavors are perceived, why we have favorites, and what happens when our senses go awry. This book is of interest to the researcher in perception, cognition, or neurophysiology.

From OIV-award-winning author, Ronald S. Jackson, Wine Tasting: A Professional Handbook, Third Edition, is an essential guide for any professional or serious connoisseur seeking to understand both the theory and practice of wine tasting. From techniques for assessing wine properties and quality, including physiological, psychological, and physicochemical sensory evaluation, to the latest information on the types of wine, the author guides the reader to a clear and applicable understanding of the wine tasting process. With its inclusion of illustrative data and testing technique descriptions, the book is ideal for both those who train tasters, those involved in designing wine tastings, and the connoisseur seeking to maximize their perception and appreciation of wine. - Contains revised and updated coverage, notably on the physiology and neurology of taste and odor perception - Includes expanded coverage of the statistical aspect of wine tasting (specific examples to show the process), qualitative wine tasting, wine language, the origins of wine quality, and food and wine combination - Provides a flow chart of wine tasting steps and production procedures - Presents practical details on wine storage and the problems that can occur both during and following bottle opening

The Taste of Water explores the increasing erasure of tastes from drinking water over the twentieth century. It asks how dramatic changes in municipal water treatment have altered consumers' awareness of the environment their water comes from. Through examination of the development of sensory expertise in the United States and France over the twentieth century, this unique history uncovers the foundational role palatability has played in shaping Western water treatment processes. By focusing on the relationship between taste and the environment, Christy Spackman shows how efforts to erase unwanted tastes and smells have transformed water into a highly industrialized food product divorced from the natural environment. The Taste of Water invites readers to question their own assumptions about what water does and should naturally taste like while exposing them to the invisible--but substantial--sensory labor involved in creating tap water.